When you’re a new mom, there’s so much to think about – babyproofing your home might not be first on your list. When the world is a sea of diapers and feedings and rocking chair-snuggles, it’s hard to imagine that the little babes we’re holding will someday soon be toddlers: opening drawers, attempting stairs, and exploring their world by tasting everything.
But though it might not be in the forefront of your mind, the time to babyproof is before your child starts getting into things; not after. Thousands of injuries that happen every year could be prevented with a little careful preparation.
We’ve compiled a little checklist of some of the most important items for you here, to make your life easier when it’s time to make home safe for baby.
1) Make sure that all medicines are locked up. An easy way to do this is to use a toolbox for storing medicines, and put a combination lock over the opening. Over-the-counter medicines, including Tylenol and vitamins, can mean a trip to the ER – or worse – if swallowed by children. Many children are creative and determined enough to open “childproof” caps; your best option is to lock everything up.
2) Keep any sharp items, like gardening tools, razors, or cooking knives, out of reach. Do the same with any matches or lighters, and also with any household chemicals – like cleaning solutions, dishwashing liquid, etc.
3) If you have stairs, use a gate at the bottom and another at the top. The top of the stairs requires a gate that can be screwed into the wall (not a pressure-mounted gate). A toddler can easily push down a pressure-mounted gate, and fall down the stairs with it.
4) Strap any tall furniture to the wall. You can pick up supplies to do this for just a few dollars at any hardware store. Sadly, pediatric deaths have occurred when furniture has toppled over and fallen on top of children.
5) Make sure not to place low furniture (like dressers or shelves) under windows. Curious children may use them to get to the window – and attempt to climb out.
6) Get down on your child’s level, and do a visual sweep for any small items that your child may put in his or her mouth. Babies use taste to learn about their world, which can be dangerous. A good rule of thumb: if an object is small enough to fit through a toilet paper tube, then it is small enough for your child to choke on it. Remove all chokable items from your baby’s reach.
7) Even before your baby gets to wiggling-age, it is wise to remember not to place him on a high surface from which he could fall. They move and wiggle quicker than we expect, and many children have suffered serious injuries through falls.
8) And because it bears mentioning – remember never to leave your baby in a hot car. Small children are more susceptible to temperature changes than adults; their body temperature can rise dangerously high if left in a hot car even for a few short minutes.
Lastly – remember, no checklist is a substitute for a watchful parent. You know your baby best; your eyes and your care for him are his best safeguard against illness or injury.
Lastly – remember, no checklist is a substitute for a watchful parent. You know your baby best; your eyes and your care for him are his best safeguard against illness or injury.
On that note: many parents gain increased skills and confidence by attending a CPR course. You can check with local community centers or with the American Heart Association (https://cpr.heart.org/AHAECC/CPRAndECC/FindACourse/UCM_473162_Find-A-Course.jsp — link please) to find a course. There, you’ll learn how to save your baby from choking, how to apply basic first aid, and how to perform CPR.
* This is not an exhaustive list. Please check with your child’s doctor for any questions or concerns.